

About Us
Learn more about this nationally recognized and award-winning team
In its early inception, a limited CRPA California junior team was created as a starter program to get more juniors involved in the sport and to raise the necessary funds. The California Grizzlies organization was founded in 2003 as a state-wide junior rifle team and in 2008 it became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Grizzlies is a sports program consisting of youths aged 13-20 and focused on providing leadership development in the training of firearm safety, marksmanship, and competition to encourage personal growth, self-discipline, responsibility, team and life skills development. Over two decades the Grizzlies are nationally recognized, one of the most successful junior rifle teams in the country, and are currently ranked as the #1 Junior Rifle team in the United States.
Year over year the team has competed and had impressive victories including a history-making win in 2009 where they were the only junior team to win this award since its inception 105 years and the first civilian team to ever win the Infantry Trophy (NTIT) in 79 years. Additionally, this year a Grizzlies alumnae represented the USA in this year’s Summer Olympics.

THE GRIZZLY GOAL
The goal of a Grizzly is to be the best that he or she can be as an individual and as a team member. A Grizzly learns to win or lose with grace whether on or off the range and to give back to the sport by helping mentor new shooters regardless of their age. The caliber of a Grizzly carries forth to all aspects of their adult life.
A Few Team Accomplishments
In 2009, The California Grizzlies Junior team was the first junior rifle and civilian team to compete and win against the military teams to win the Infantry Trophy (NTIT) in over 79 Years. Linked below is the Congressional recognition.
The California Grizzlies claim three new national records at 2021 National Rifle Matches. Details covered in CMP's Fall 2021 newsletter starting on page 4.
This competitive sporting team was created in 2003 and since then it has had over 135 juniors join, compete and represent this state team.
Prior California Grizzlies Junior, Spc. Sagen Maddalena of the Army Marksmanship Unit, from Groveland, CA competed in the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021. Listen to her CMP Podcast.

Competing at Nationals
On an annual basis the California Grizzlies team will travel to Camp Perry, Ohio to participate in educational training and to compete in the National Matches for two weeks during the summer. Prior to attending Nationals, the team has an intensive week training led by Jim O'Connell. This year's Nationals will be held July 23, 2022 to August 8, 2022.
Grizzlies Learning Experience
California Grizzlies Leadership

John-Alistair George
President

Tammy Gould
Treasurer

Marylee George
Operations/Secretary

Lane Icord
Head Coach

Robert Taylor
Coaching Advisor

Wayne Brenner
Advisor

Connie Taylor
Advisor

Lynn Bhaten
Advisor
"Being a California Grizzly is not just about winning, but about being the best one can be, about a support system and sport that gives direction to a kid’s life "
Coach Robert Taylor
Quote pulled from NRA article "California Grizzlies: Like No Other Junior Shooting Team" by Serena Juchnowski posted on May 15, 2020.

The California Grizzlies team at Camp Perry 2021
CALIFORNIA GRIZZLIES AFFILIATION


